Infection Control & Prevention Flashcards
7 cards from real AP practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Infection Control & Prevention flashcards as text
Which hepatitis virus is most commonly transmitted through contaminated acupuncture needles due to its stability on environmental surfaces?
Answer: Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is highly stable on environmental surfaces for up to 7 days, making it a primary bloodborne pathogen concern in acupuncture practice.
When performing auricular acupuncture, the practitioner should clean the ear with an antiseptic wipe and then:
Answer: Allow the skin to dry completely before needling
The skin must dry completely after antiseptic application to allow the antiseptic to work effectively and prevent introducing moisture into the puncture site.
A patient discloses they are immunocompromised due to chemotherapy. Which infection control adjustment is MOST appropriate?
Answer: Apply additional antiseptic and use strict aseptic technique throughout
Immunocompromised patients are at elevated risk for infection, so strict aseptic technique and thorough antiseptic skin preparation are essential protective measures.
What is the correct procedure if a practitioner's glove tears during treatment?
Answer: Remove and replace the torn glove immediately before continuing
A torn glove no longer provides a barrier against bloodborne pathogens and must be replaced immediately to maintain infection control standards.
In the context of acupuncture, which item is classified as regulated medical waste?
Answer: Used needles and blood-saturated gauze
Used needles (sharps) and materials saturated with blood are regulated medical waste requiring disposal in approved sharps containers and biohazard bags.
Which disinfection level is required for items that come into contact with mucous membranes but do not penetrate sterile tissue?
Answer: High-level disinfection
High-level disinfection (HLD) is required for semi-critical items that contact mucous membranes or non-intact skin, as it destroys all microorganisms except high bacterial spore loads.
Which type of precaution is considered the foundation of all infection control in acupuncture practice?
Answer: Standard precautions
Standard precautions treat all patients as potentially infectious and include hand hygiene, PPE, and safe sharps handling as the baseline for every clinical encounter.